TONGE professional Iqbal Sikander could be England's secret weapon as they prepare to tackle the Aussies in tomorrow's First Test.

The Pakistan bowler is currently in the nets at Edgbaston bowling his leg spinners against the England batsmen.

It's coach David Lloyd and captain Mike Atherton's way of getting the batsmen in the right frame of mind to face Shane Warne.

Sikander was called up before the Texaco one-day international at Headingley and played a vital part in England's win.

Frank Baldwin, chairman of Tonge explained: "Iqbal not only bowled his leg spin at the batsmen but also talked them through how they should play their shots against spin bowling.

"He was delighted with the way Adam Hollioake played as he spent quite a lot of time with him, telling him not to play across the line and how to detect the variety of spin as it leaves the bowler's hand.

"And considering the way Hollioake played, the advice seems to have done him good."

Sikander's success at Headingley led to this week's invitation to travel down to Edgbaston where he has been providing further coaching.

How successful he has been will be discovered over the next few days as England bid to play down the menace of Warne.

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